Building a New System Where to Start and Look TIA

[kreybaby]

Need some advice and help. I almost feel my questions are too vast but, any
advice or even where to search some more would be very much appreciated.



My current system is 5 years old and driving me nuts. Been playing with
computers since 1985, so I do have some knowledge.

I have helped other people build systems, now I want to build my own.



I've been researching and the more I do, the more confused I am getting!



I do not want an over kill system, but I have always liked the best I could
afford.



I do extensive photo editing of images, and tons of multitasking, while web
surfing.



Not too much into multi media music or sound, but I like to play games too.



I've been looking at Intel Core 2 duo for my processor, then.. That is
where the block comes. Looks like I could read for days trying to compare
things.



I just want a good computer that I know exactly what it has and I can
control. Seems like when ever I have bought one it the past off the shelf
or ordered to specifications it's still not exactly what I wanted or needed.



I just want to make sure that all components are compatible.





Thank you Nancy

 

[Davej]

[...]
I have helped other people build systems, now I want to build my own.

You realize that sounds a little strange, right?

I do extensive photo editing of images, and tons of multitasking, while web
surfing. Not too much into multi media music or sound, but I like to play games too.

Well, up until you mentioned games just about anything would have been
fine, but now we have to ask; which games?

 

[You Know Who ~]

Sounds like you need a lot of RAM for large photos and at least a decent
video board (that does matter if you plan to game a lot). Getting a
processor a few steps down from the "top' current one generally saves money
without making a lot of compromises. you might be able to do with the
onboard Audio instead of buying a card if that's not a big deal for you.

I buy a lot of parts at www.mwave.com and have found them reliable over the
years. sounds like you are an intel guy and would not consider an AMD
processor. There are lots of motherboards out there, I personally like MSI,
DFI and ABit, but you will find that opinions vary....

 

[DaveW]

There really is no way to avoid doing extensive homework when it comes to
investing in a computer that will "do" exactly what you want it to.

 

[Davej]

[...]
I do not want an over kill system, but I have always liked the best I could
afford.

Well knowing what you can afford would sure simplify things. I started
off wanting to spend $1000 but ended up spending almost twice that
much.

 

[John Doe]

Need some advice and help. I almost feel my questions are too
vast but, any advice or even where to search some more would be
very much appreciated.

My computer is always being upgraded. I don't buy a complete
computer's worth of parts and put it all together. The major upgrade
comes when changing CPU socket types, but even then many of the
components can be transferred. If you are paying retail, you usually
don't benefit by buying a whole bunch of parts of the same time
anyway. Maybe you could start by buying a new case with a
modern/current power supply. Or start with a high-quality, easily
upgradable bare-bones system (if they exist).

For parts:
http://www.newegg.com/
http://www.chiefvalue.com/
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/
http://www.pricegrabber.com/

 

[Infinicat]

Need some advice and help. I almost feel my questions are too vast but, any
advice or even where to search some more would be very much appreciated.

My current system is 5 years old and driving me nuts. Been playing with
computers since 1985, so I do have some knowledge.

I have helped other people build systems, now I want to build my own.

I've been researching and the more I do, the more confused I am getting!

I do not want an over kill system, but I have always liked the best I could
afford.

I do extensive photo editing of images, and tons of multitasking, while web
surfing.

Not too much into multi media music or sound, but I like to play games too.

I've been looking at Intel Core 2 duo for my processor, then.. That is
where the block comes. Looks like I could read for days trying to compare
things.

I just want a good computer that I know exactly what it has and I can
control. Seems like when ever I have bought one it the past off the shelf
or ordered to specifications it's still not exactly what I wanted or needed.

I just want to make sure that all components are compatible.

Thank you Nancy

Go around to your local PC shops and pick one out that does what you
want and works.
Don't buy the extended warranty.

nuf sed?

You'll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

If you want to build your own count on paying at least double.

And that DOES NOT INCLUDE the wasted time trying to fix your screw-ups
along the way.


Whenever I start building a PC, the clock starts at 100/hr in whatever
currency is acting at locally. Then I double it for travel time for
each part. Sitting in traffic with my thumb up my butt waiting for
traffic while going to the PC parts store which *MIGHT* have what I
need?

vs.


Doing what I want on a system that is warranteed by the store I bought
it from?


hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


tough decision


DOH!

 

[Davej]

[...]
My current system is 5 years old and driving me nuts. [...]

Why? What is it?